Falling under the cracks of healthcare despite COVID-19 initiatives

I noticed that since the start of COVID-19 stage 3 restrictions in Victoria, many panic buying have been reducing the stock levels of essential items from the supermarket and pharmacies. The stock piling of toilet papers, children paracetamol formulations, salbutamol inhalers and pharmaceuticals have led to warehousing issues in its ability to stock up and maintain stock levels.

Many big name supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths have decided to increase fairer access to essential groceries by having community hours, which tends to be from 7am to 8am. This is to ensure the first few customers in the store get access to full shelves of pasta, rice, fruits and other hygeine necessities.

However, not all disadvantaged populations can meet this early morning 'community hour' shopping. Elderly populations who do not own a car and/or have mobility issues will have no ability to attend these community hours dedicated to them.

As pharmacist, I get calls during consultation that the elderly population are not just requesting for medicines delivery, but also basic necessities such as toilet paper and hand washing liquid to be include in their order.

Together we should all look into our vulnerable populations and checking up on them to ensure that they are able to make it to dedicated shopping times. If not, we should try to lend a helping hand as pharmacist and as community. While performing your usual shop, if you do have any extra toilet roles or essential food products left at home, do consider giving them out to your elderly vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.

Let's gather our resources and help every disadvantaged Australian's get through this tough period of COVID-19.